The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Maritime University (WMU) have introduced a new online course focused on International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of Ships (Marpol) Annex Vwhich addresses the prevention of pollution by the garbage of ships.
AA explained that the course is a timely and vital response to increasing global concern concerning marine litter, in particular plastic waste, which represents a significant threat to ocean health, marine biodiversity, global ecosystems and human health. By equipping maritime professionals and relevant authorities of knowledge and tools to understand and comply with Annex V Marpol, the course aims to strengthen international efforts to eliminate the marine litter generated by ships and promote environmental stewardship.
While we are launching this specialized course of the Annex Marpol V, I encourage maritime professionals around the world to seize this opportunity to deepen their understanding of pollution prevention measures and actively contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry. Each of us has a role to play
… The president of WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr.
The course targets a diversified audience, in particular government representatives, maritime educators, seafarers, operators of port reception factories and other key stakeholders. Participants will have a complete understanding of:
- The main provisions and the extent of the V Marpol Annex
- Restrictions and conditions for the elimination of garbage at sea
- Responsibilities of shipowners and crew operators to ensure compliance
- The environmental impact of waste generated by ships
- International application measures under the agreement
- Best practices to prevent, reduce and control sea litter based on
By increasing awareness -raising and capacity for strengthening in the sector, the course contributes to reducing the discharge of ship's garbage and supports compliance with global environmental standards. This initiative is aligned with the broader objective of achieving the objective of sustainable development of the United Nations 14: life underwater.
The launch of the course was announced during the sixty-fifth session of the Technical Cooperation Committee of the OMI (TC 75) in early June 2025 and is accessible free of charge after registering in the Imo online gate.

At Learnopoly, Finn has championed a mission to deliver unbiased, in-depth reviews of online courses that empower learners to make well-informed decisions. With over a decade of experience in financial services, he has honed his expertise in strategic partnerships and business development, cultivating both a sharp analytical perspective and a collaborative spirit. A lifelong learner, Finn’s commitment to creating a trusted guide for online education was ignited by a frustrating encounter with biased course reviews.